Salve, Wani, Three Other Mumbai Cops Suspended
A red faced Maharashtra government on Sunday placed under suspension five Mumbai policemen – DCP VN Salve, ACP Prakash Wani, Senior Inspector Tulsidas Khakar, Inspector Khalatkar and Constable Talu Salunke – for allegedly attending a Christmas-eve bash hosted by a top aide of underworld don Chhota Rajan, say media reports citing officials at the CMO.
The decision to suspend the policemen was taken at a meeting between chief minister Ashok Chavan and state home minister RR Patil. The suspension was recommended by Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan on Saturday.
The suspended officials face an inquiry into the allegations that flew thick since the release of a video, shot by a mobile phone that purportedly shows them at the party.
Speaking to separate news agencies, DCP Salve and ACP Wani have denied the allegations.
“My conscience is absolutely clear. I am not hand-in-glove with gangsters. I will definitely prove my innocence,” ACP Wani was quoted as saying by the Times Now TV website on Saturday.
“I’m innocent. All allegations against me are baseless. I have not attended any party hosted by criminal elements,” DCP Salve was quoted as saying by PTI, he termed the suspension order as an “injustice” meted out to him.
